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Offered languages
- English
- Italian
Travel for the Communism Tour is provided in a modern, air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey. We offer convenient hotel pickup and drop-off at no extra charge if your accommodation is outside the main meeting point in Saranda, and with small groups limited to 8 people, you'll receive personalized attention from our professional guide specialized in Albania's communist-era history.
• Discover another side of Saranda – beyond the beaches.
This short and intense tour combines stunning views from a panoramic hill, hidden communist-era bunkers, spiritual monuments and strong history. We start with a journey to the observation point over the city, Ionia and Corfu. Then we descend to a secret anti-aircraft base with tunnels and artillery positions. We visit the Monastery of the 40 Saints, the historical symbol that gave Saranda its name, and end with a stop at a local mosque to understand the resurgence of faith after communism.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
In front of Alpet gas station.
Itinerary
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1Saranda
Departure from Saranda and Scenic Drive to Nearby Hill (9:00 – 9:15, 15 minutes): We depart from Saranda in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, heading to a nearby hill with panoramic views. Along the short drive, our professional guide introduces Albania's communist era under Enver Hoxha, setting the context for the day's exploration of this unique and isolating period in history.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Gjashte
Visit to Underground Tunnels and Bunkers on the Hill (9:15 – 10:15, 60 minutes): We explore authentic Cold War-era tunnels and bunkers built during the regime's paranoia of invasion. Led by our expert guide, you'll hear real, chilling stories of life under communism – including surveillance, forced labor, and the massive bunkerization project that dotted Albania with over 173,000 structures.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3Monastery of 40 Saints
3. Visit to the Monastery of the 40 Saints (10:30 – 11:15, 45 minutes): We continue to the historic Monastery of the 40 Saints, admiring its Byzantine architecture and scenic location. The guide explains how the communist regime, after declaring Albania the world's first atheist state in 1967, repurposed this sacred site as a military base, destroying or closing religious buildings nationwide.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included -
4Gjashte
Visit to Saranda's Great Mosque and Exploration of its Architecture (11:30 – 12:15, 45 minutes): We visit Saranda's prominent Great Mosque, where you'll admire its elegant Ottoman-influenced architecture and learn about its key elements: the mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca), the minbar (pulpit for sermons), the ablution area (abdeshane), and the graceful minaret. The guide will discuss the revival of religion after the fall of communism in 1991, sharing powerful real-life stories of how believers secretly practiced their faith during the regime – hidden prayers, underground gatherings, and the immense risks involved under severe persecution.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Sarande
Return to Saranda with Reflections and Optional Traditional Snack (12:30 – 13:00, 30 minutes): We head back to Saranda, with time for questions and reflections on this dark yet formative chapter of Albanian history. Optional stop at a local spot to taste traditional byrek and refreshing dhallë, adding an authentic culinary touch (drop-off in Saranda around 13:00)
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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